US3791528A - Enclosure structure for modular system - Google Patents

Enclosure structure for modular system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3791528A
US3791528A US00278362A US3791528DA US3791528A US 3791528 A US3791528 A US 3791528A US 00278362 A US00278362 A US 00278362A US 3791528D A US3791528D A US 3791528DA US 3791528 A US3791528 A US 3791528A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container module
wall means
side wall
rear wall
stabilizing
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00278362A
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English (en)
Inventor
T Brendgord
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American Sterilizer Co
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American Sterilizer Co
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Assigned to MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY reassignment MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY, A PA CORP.
Assigned to AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY reassignment AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/02—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
    • A47B87/0207—Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
    • A47B87/0261—Independent trays
    • A47B87/0269—Independent trays without separate distance holders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/161—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement comprising two or more cover sections hinged one to another
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
    • B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
    • B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT Unitary construction easy-access enclosure for handling, storing, transporting, and distributing articles throughout a modular system with self-seating and stabilizing interconnecting means for suspending the enclosure on an upright support, means for supporting the enclosure horizontally, and means for interlocked stable stacking of such enclosures.
  • Means for dividing the enclosure internally and retaining carried articles, and dust cover means, are removably positioned by structural elements of the unitary-construction enclosures.
  • ENCLOSURE STRUCTURE FOR MODULAR SYSTEM This invention relates to an enclosure for handling, storing, transporting, and distributing articles throughout a modular system.
  • a specific aspect of the invention relates to a container module of unitary construction with interconnecting means for cantilever suspension of the module.
  • An easy-access container module is provided with internal support for articles being handled and enclosure cover means to maintain such articles dust-free.
  • a modular system for such need is de- I scribed in applicants copending application entitled Modular Storage, Transfer Handling, and Retrieval System, Ser. No. 278,360 filed Aug. 7, 1972.
  • Important to a modular system as conceived by applicant is a'container module providing easy access, ease of stable mounting in vertical orientation, means for'level disposition on horizontal surfaces, stable stacking capabilities, light-weight, high carrying capacity with partitioning means for separation and holding of articles in fixed and distinct relationship, ease of washing and cleaning, easily operable cover means for protecting container contents, and economy in manufacture and use.
  • a container module for use in a modular system should be capable of being readily suspended on vertically oriented support means by movement of the container module with article carrying surfaces horizontally oriented without need for tilting in any direction.
  • Interconnecting means for coacting with the vertical support means should be located on the container module so as not to interfere with handling of such articles and to unobtrusively occupy a minimum amount of space; in other words, to
  • the interconnecting means should provide self-seating characteristics without need for manipulation of fastening or securing means to obtain stable mounting.
  • the module should also provide for ease of application of cover means capable of maintaining enclosed articles in dust-free condition, means for stably'positioning internal partition means, and stacking capabilities to enable container modules to' be stably stacked independent of support structure while occupying minimum space.
  • the container module should be capable of use with, on, or in association with any structure wall, floor, or ceiling, i.e. horizontal or vertical surface area, or with apparatus such as carts, retrieval racks, elevators, and the like.
  • a standardized article carrying module universally usable throughout the modular system without need for selection as to size, shape, or support.
  • FIG. 1 is afront elevational view of a container module mounted on vertically-oriented support means in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an'exploded perspective view of thernovel container module of FIG. 1 and cover means for the container module in side-b'y side relationship;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 2 with the cover means in dust sealing position on the container module;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the container module of FIG. l with front retaining bar means
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container module of FIG. 1 with shelf and partition means
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of thecontainer module of FIG. 1 with wire basket means
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of the container module of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a view in section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along line 99 of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view in side elevation corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing the manner in which the container modules of this invention can be stacked one on the other;
  • FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the arrangement of FIGJIO.
  • FIG. 12. is a front view in elevation of the container module of FIG. I with portions broken away to show additional details;
  • FIG. '13 is an enlarged view in section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a front retainer bar in accordance'with the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a top plan'view of a shelf means in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the shelf means of FIG. 15;
  • FIG. 17 is a view in section taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15;
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of a partition means removably mountable on the shelf of FIG. 15 in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an end view of the partition of FIG. 18.
  • Container module 30 of FIG. 1 is mounted on support means 31.
  • support means 31 is vertically oriented and includes elongated horizontally-oriented slot means, such as 33, spaced longitudinally along the support means as described more particularly in applicant's copending application Ser. No. 278,360, filed Aug. 7, I972 entitled Modular Storage, Transfer Handling and Retrieval System.
  • Support means 31 includes lateral side edge means 33, 34, e.g. lateral sidewalls.
  • FIGS. 2 through 7 Various features of and accessories for the container module of the invention are shown in general arrangement perspectives in FIGS. 2 through 7.
  • container 30 is generally rectilinear'in configuration, defining a substantially right-angled hexahedron enclosure, with full-open access upper portion 37 and full-open front portion 38.
  • FIG. 2 Also shown in FIG. 2 is a transparent one-piece cover 39 which seats on container 30 in the manner shown in FIG. 3 and seals the container against entry of dust as described in more detail in applicants copending application Ser. No. 278,361, filed Aug. 7, 1972 entitled Self-Seating Container Module Cover.
  • a vertically-oriented retainer bar means 41 is positioned at the front of the container module to prevent articles on the bottom of the enclosure from rolling or sliding out.
  • Y 3 horizontal shelf means 44 which can be provided with one or more vertical partition means, such as 45 is positioned within the container module.
  • the module can be provided with an open framework means, such as bottle rack 46, as shown in FIG. 6. Either the shelf means or open framework means can be used with a front retainer means.
  • FIG. 7 shows novel interface structure for stable cantilever suspension of the container on an upright support and one of the handgrip openings centrally located along the sides of the container module so that the module can be easily grasped and lifted froma planar horizontal surface.
  • container module 30 has bottom wall means 49, upright side wall means 50 and 51, and rear wall means 52 defining in combination an enclosure with open-access from above and front.
  • flange means 53 depends downwardly defining a vertically-oriented planar surface extending between lateral sides of the module.
  • Side wall means 50, 51 include inwardly directed flanges 54 and 55, respectively.
  • Each of these flanges has a substantially planar vertically-oriented surface; these flange surfaces are coplanar and define the front face of the container module.
  • Such front face lies in a substantially vertical plane when container module 30 is mounted on a support (FIG. 1) as well as when the container module is placed on a horizontal surface (FIG. 10).
  • a narrow surface is defined by the upper top edges of side wall means 50, 51 and rear wall means 52. This surface is generally horizontal when the container module is in its normal upright position. These edge surfaces are coplanar around the top of the side and rear walls.
  • An exterior surface along each top edge of the walls 50, 51, 52 is chamfered; e.g. contiguous to top edge 57 of side wall means 50 chamfered surface 58 slopes outwardly from the narrow width top edge surface 57 to the full thickness of the side wall.
  • support posts 60, 61, 62, 63 are distributed at respective interior corners of container module 30. These are provided for support of shelf means 44 or open framework means 46.
  • Support post 61 at the front of the enclosure extends vertically on upright wall means 51 in contiguous relationship with upright flange 55. Preferably, spacing between support posts 61 and upright flange 55 is provided for supporting retainer bar means 41.
  • Post on the opposite side wall means can be similarly spaced from flange 54 on side wall means 50.
  • Support posts 62 and 63 are located respectively at the rear comer junctions on the interior of the enclosure.
  • each of the support posts have means integrally formed on their upper ends for retaining, as well as supporting, shelf means 44, open framework means 46, or other similar structure.
  • Projection 64 on post 60 and projection 66 on post 61 extend upwardly to define slot means and 67, respectively, which extend in a direction parallel to the side walls.
  • the rear corner posts 62 and 63 nave retaining projections 68 and 69, respectively; which extend in angled relationship to the side walls to define curvilinear slot means 70 and 71 at these rear corner support stations.
  • the bottom wall means 49 of container module 30 includes contact surface means to position the container module in accordance with the invention when disposed on a horizontal surface.
  • this means takes the form of a pair of support and reinforcing ribs 73, 74- which support the container module on horizontal surface 75.
  • Each rib is elongated and originates at a location adjacent to front flange 56 and terminates at a location contiguous to rear wall 52.
  • Ribs 73, 74 are preferably spaced from the front-to-rear (longitudinal) centerline of the container module to provide stability but disposed inwardly of the respective side walls 50 and 51.
  • these ribs provide structural stength for the bottom wall means while reducing the material and weight requirements of such means.
  • a bottom skirt means is provided for the container module.
  • the skirt means includes a front portion and a rear portion 81 which extends around the curvilinear junction of the side and rear wall means and terminates contiguous to a rearwardly projecting stabilizing means to be described in detail later.
  • the bottom skirt is interrupted along each side wall by a recess handgrip opening such as 47.
  • An important aspect of the present invention for operating with a modular system is the ability to readily suspend a container module in upright position on a container support.
  • the interconnecting means provided should not interfere with the full-open access features of the invention nor with means for lifting or handling the container module.
  • Further advantages provided by the present invention are self-seating characteristics which enable the container module to be moved horizontally while in an upright position, that is without tilting, toward a support means and to be stably suspended by merely placing the container module on the support means without manipulation of any fastening or securing means.
  • the container module should be readily removable from the upright support in a similar manner, that is without tilting to disengage or move away from the support rail means.
  • interconnecting means 82 formed integrally with the container module are shown in the rear view of FIG. 7.'
  • the interconnecting means 82 includes a plurality of predeterminedly spaced elements which act to support the container module and stabilize the module against inadvertent dislodgement or lateral tilting when is suspended position.
  • the interconnecting means 82 includes elongated hanger means 84 extending horizontally across back wall means 52 at a location, selected for better stability to be above the lateral centerline, and preferably, contiguous to the chamfered edge of rear wall means 52.
  • the elongated hanger means includes flange means 85 spaced from the rear wall means 52 by load support surface 86.
  • Stabilizing elements 88, 89 are in horizontally spaced locations selected to be below the lateral centerline for better stability, and preferably contiguous to the lower extremity of rear wall means 52.
  • Spacing between stabilizing elements 88, 89 is a distance greater than the length of the elongated hanger means 84 measured between internal confronting surfaces 90 and 91 which diverge in projecting outwardly from the rear container wall means52. Stabilizing elements 88 and 89 project in the same direction as the elongated hanger means 84 from the rear wall means 52. This horizontal spacing between the inward ends of the stabilizing elements, at a location contiguous to rear wall means 52, is substantiallyequal to the distance between the lateral edges 32 and 34 of upright support means 31 shown in FIG. 1.
  • stabilizing elements prevent lateral tilting of the container module. Further lateral stability is added by the elongated hanger means 84 in that side walls 92 and 93 of such hanger means, at a location contiguous to the rear wall means 52, are spaced substantially the same as side edges of the horizontally extended support slot means. Sides of the elongated hanger means 92, 93 taper toward each other in projecting outwardly from the rear wall means 52 to provide ease of insertion and, along with the stabilizing elements confronting surfaces 90, 91 help provide self-seating characteristics.
  • Rear wall means 52 includes reinforcing and surface contact means intermediate the hanger means 84 and stabilizing elements 88 and 89. These take the form of upright ribs 94 and 95 and lateral rib 96. These elements present coplanar surfaces for-contacting the vertical upright support means so as to properly position the container module 31 in suspendedposition. As best seen in FIG. 8, the contact surface of reinforcing leg 95 contacts the upright support 31 so that the container module 30 is suspended in substantially upright position.
  • the preferable construction of the container module when so positioned is to have the interior surface of bottom wall means 49 inclined slightly downwardly in approaching the rear wall means 52. Preferably the angle of inclination is about 2 and extends from a location contiguous to the forward side of the container module to the rear wall.
  • the reinforcing leg means 73, 74 forming part of the bottom wall means are disposed to have their contact surfaces act in a similar manner when the container means is set on a horizontal surface, that is the interior surface of the bottom wall is. inclined downwardly in approaching the rear of the container module.
  • the stabilizing elements 88 and 89 of the unitary construction shown in FIG. 7 provide an interlocking feature for stability in the direction leading from front to back of the container module.
  • an inverted U- shaped recess such as 97 on stabilizing element 88, is provided at. the baseof each stabilizing element.
  • the recess formed in each base of the stabilizing elements has an outwardly sloping rear surface 98 and a load bearing surface 99. The outwardly sloping surface 98 coacts with the chamfered surface on the top periphery of each container module and provides self-seating characteristics.
  • stacking grooves are provided at the forward upper edges of the container module.
  • Stacking grooves 103 and 105 are best seen in FIG. 11.
  • Projections 107 and 108 at the lower forward edge of a standard container module interfit with slots 103 and 105, respectively. These slots and projections are formed to have conforming configurations and selfseating characteristics.
  • Container module 30 is of unitary construction and is molded or cast from a plastic material such as structural foam.
  • a plastic material such as structural foam.
  • High density polyethylene, high-impact polystyrene, and polypropylene are suitable examples.
  • a specific example is the NORYL type of structural foam available from General Electric Company, Plastics Department, Selkirk, New York. NORYL FN 2l5 is preferred for its fire safety chracteristics.
  • the plastic material is selected to have a high softening temperature so it can be cleaned and/or at least toxic gas sterilized without deteriorating. Comer junctions of the enclosure are rounded to avoid sharp inside and outside comers for ease of cleaning.
  • the rear wall means .52 of the container module 30 has excellent beam strength as a result of vertical ribs 94, 95 which project from rear wall means 52. Such rib means provide the-required strength while saving material and weight by permitting reduced wall thickness intermediate such ribs.
  • the bottom wall means 49 is strengthened and made more rigid as a result of the beam strength obtained from support and reinforcing ribs 73, 74.
  • Cover means 39 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.is formed from a single sheet of transparent vinyl or polystyrene, 9 abqut 2.5 mil t i kness. to pr xies.t qu wqflex bili by known vacuum forming techniques.
  • Cover means 39 includes a generally rectangular upper portion 110 and a generally rectangular front portion 111.
  • Upper portion 110 includes a flat panel 1 12 borderedby a rib wall 113 in angled relation to panel 112.
  • Located peripherally to rib wall 113 is narrow-width horizontallydisposed surface 114 extending around the full periphery of upper cover portion 110.
  • skirt means 1 Depending from the peripheral horizontal surface 114, along side wall and 7 rear wall portions, is downwardly inclined skirt means 1 15. This skirt means extends around side wall and rear edges of upper cover portion 110.
  • a beading 116 can be added to the bottom edge of skirt 115 to add strength to the skirt means.
  • Front cover portion 111 is joined to upper cover portion along unitary hinge juncture 117.
  • the front cover portion 111 includes peripheral flange 118 which extends around recessed portion 119.
  • the recess portion 119 includes panel wall 120 joined to 'flange 118 by an inwardly projecting rib wall 121.
  • lift tab means 123 Centrally located along the lower flange portion 122 of the front cover means 111 is lift tab means 123 including an elongated rectilinear recess 124. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower extremity of flange 56 of container module 30 is provided with an inverted L-shaped notch 125. On the cover means 39 the upper wall 126 of tab recess 124 has a projecting bead 127 at its inner end which snap locks into the inverted L-shaped recess 125.
  • cover means 39 and container module 30 in closing and sealing the access openings are described in detail in applicants copending application entitled Self-Seating Container Module Cover.” How ever briefly, a double seal arrangement is provided around all peripheries with horizontally disposed peripheral border 114 contacting the upper horizontal surface 57 of the container module and the skirt means contacting the chamfered surface 58 extending around the upper periphery of the-container module. 0n the front cover portion 111 of cover means 39 the planar border around side and bottom edges contacts the flanges 53, 54, and 55 around the front end of the container module. Rib wall 121 contacts an inwardly inclined edge along the side walls 54 and 55 and across the front of the bottom wall means 49.
  • the removable retaining means 41 of FIG. 4 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 14.
  • Retaining means 41 in effect acts as a front partition and can be molded or cast in plastic.
  • retainer means 41 is fabricated from a single piece of sheet metal bent to provide a top wall 130 and side walls 131 and 132. Bottom edges of side walls 131, 132 are spaced above the lower extremity of the retainer means 41. As shown, bottom edge 133 of side wall 131 is inclined downwardly in approaching front wall 134 and facilitates insertion of the retainer means.
  • Top wall 130 projects from front wall 134 the same distance as side walls 131 and 132; these walls project a distance slightly less than the distance between the rear surfaces of flanges 54 and 55 (FIG. 8) and a front surface of front posts 60 and 61. This permits retaining means 41 to slide between flanges 54, 55 and posts 60 and 61 into the position shown at FIG. 8 and to be held firmly in upright position.
  • FIGS. 4 and 8 also show that the retaining bar 41 has a vertical height less than the height of the shelf support posts. Shelf or basket means can be positioned above the retainer means 41.
  • shelf means 44 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. through 17.
  • Shelf means 44 is molded or cast from suitable plastic material or fabricated from a single sheet of sheet metal to provide a top wall 140, a front wall 141, side walls 142 and 143, a rear wall 144, and rear corner tabs 145 and 146. Thesewalls and tabs each project perpendicularly from the edges of top wall 140.
  • Tabs 145 and 146 are angled, at approximately 45, between rear wall. 144 and side walls 142, 143, respectively.
  • Tabs 145 and 146 interlock with the slots 70, 71 (FIG.
  • FIG. 15 Six pairs of spaced openings 150 through (FIG. 15) provide a plurality of partitioning arrangements, e.g. in halves or thirds. Each opening is elongated in a direction parallel to side walls 142,143 and extends completely through the shelf means.
  • the openings of the respective pairs 150, 151, 152 are offset toward rear wall 144 and the openings 153,- 154, 155 are offset toward front wall 141.
  • the respective openings of each pair are aligned with each other in a fore and aft direction on the shelf.
  • Blank 158 is generally rectangular and has a pair of locking tabs 159 and 160 which project downwardly from a bottom edge 161 of the partition. Locking tabs 159 and 160 have the same height as stabilizing legs 162 and 163. Stabilizing legs 162 and 163 each have their respective end edges 164 and 165 in spaced relation to the tabs. Stabilizing legs 162 and 163 are separated by a rectangular slot 166. Stabilizing leg 162 is bent laterally along bend line 167 while stabilizing leg 163 is bent laterally in an opposite direction along bend .line 167. This provides the partition structure shown in FIGS. 5 and 19 where leg 162 extends to the left of body 168 and perpendicular to the plane of the body and leg 163 extends to the right of body 168.
  • each of the latch tabs 159 and 160 where unitary with the main body portion of blank 168 is slightly less than the length of each shelf opening.
  • the distance between a rear edge 170 of tab 159 to the tip 171 of tab 160 is slightly greater than the length of the shelf openings 156 so tabs 159 and 160 enter aligned shelf openings in angled relationship to the horizontal to mount the partition on the shelf.
  • the partition is preferably mounted on the shelf with tabs 159 and 160 facing toward rear wall 144 of the shelf; the partition is dimensioned so that after the tabs are inserted through a selected pair of aligned openings, the partition is then moved in a direction toward rear wall 144 of the shelf.
  • Rear edge 172 of the partition is flush with rear wall 144 of the shelf and contiguous to rear wall means 52 of the container means which prevents accidental dislodgement of the partition.
  • the distance between a top edge 174 and blank edge 161 is approximately the same as the thickness of the sheet metal of shelf means 44 so that the partition is rigidly held on the shelf means against up and down movement.
  • legs 162 and 163 extending in opposite directions to engage the upper surface of top wall 140 of the shelf means prevents tilting and adds vertical and horizontal stability.
  • the principle of the partition support can be used on an apertured partition support at the rear wall.
  • Such partition support includes a flange means which is positioned in slot means 70, 71 at the rear support posts 62, 63 and is held by protrusions 68, 69.
  • Vertically oriented partitioning blank means, extending parallel to side walls are attached to the rear wall located partition support.
  • Such dividers can extend either the full height or a portion of the height of the enclosure.
  • Lock tabs and stabilizing legs are located on the rear vertical leg of the partitioning means rather than along a bottom leg as in the shelf supported partition of FIG. 18 but operate in a substantially identical manner with tabs inserted in the slots and supports.
  • Wire basket 46 of FIG. 6 has a top rim which extends around three sides of the basket and which has a length along the respective walls of the container module which is only slightly less than the inside dimensions of the enclosure so the basket can be'supported in a manner similar to shelf means 44. Corner portions of the basket are open as shown in FIG. 6 to enable seat- UPRIGHT SUSPENSION Vertical support means 31 on which container module 30 is suspended in cantilever fashion is formed from sheet metal and is hung in an upright position on walls or mobile carriers, or pole mounted.
  • support 31 is generally rectangular in cross section and presents a plurality of horizontally elongated vertically aligned and spaced hanger slots such as 190 of FIG. 8. Openings such as 190 are formed in a vertically elongated planar surface 191. Along the bottom edge of each opening is a rearwardly bent horizontal legde 193 terminating at a downwardly bent vertical wall 194. Upright support 31 also has side walls 33 and 34 (FIG. 9) along its lateral edges.
  • hanger bar 84 extends through opening 190 with flange 8 8 engaging rear vertical wall 194.
  • Confronting faces 9th, 91 of stabilizing projections 88, 89, respectively, are contiguous to the outsidesurfaces of the respective side walls 33 and 3 3 when the rear surface ribs 94 and 95 are flat against upright surface 191 of the support surface 31.
  • Container module of unitary construction comprising bottomwall means,
  • bottom, rear, and side wall means defining a generally rectilinear configuration enclosure with fullopen access across upper and front portions of the defined enclosure
  • the bottom, rear, and side wall means each having an external surface and an internal surface relative to the defined enclosure
  • the bottom wall means including means on its external surface for supporting the container module on a flat surface with sidewall means substantially vertical,
  • the rear wall means including interconnecting means on its external surface for cantilever suspension of the container module on a vertically-oriented support means with sidewall means of the enclosure substantially vertical when the defined enclosure is in its upright position,
  • the interconnecting means projecting rearwardly from the external surface of the rear wall means, and including elongated hanger means and stabilizing means predeterminedly positioned on the rear wall means with the elongated hanger means being horizontallyoriented at a location spaced vertically from the stabilizing means,
  • hanger means being spaced upwardly from the stabilizing means when the container module is in its upright position
  • the elongated hanger means including a downwardly depending flange means spaced from the external surface of the rear wall means by a downwardly facing load support surface
  • the external surfaces of the rear and side wall means defining planes having a substantially right angled relationship.
  • the container module of claim 2 in which the angle of inclination of such internal surface with a horizontal plane is approximately 2 4.
  • the container module of claim 1 in which the means on the external surface of the bottom wall means for supporting the container module on a flat surface comprises reinforcing leg means extending in a direction parallel to the side wall means.
  • the container module of claim 5 further including recessed handgrip means located contiguous to corner junctures between the side wall means and bottom wall means.
  • bottom wall means includes downwardly depending flange means at its front edge defining a substantially planar, vertically-oriented, surface extending between the side wall means.
  • the elongated hanger means is a continuous hanger bar of predetermined length.
  • the stabilizing means comprises a pair of projections predeterminedly spaced horizontally from each other.
  • the container module of claim 1 in which the location of the hanger means is vertically above a horizontal centerline of the rear wall means and the elongated hanger means is symmetrical with relation to a vertical centerline of the rear wall means. 12,.
  • the stabilizing means comprises a pair of projections predeterminedly spaced horizontally from each other and, each of the pair of stabilizing projections include a confronting face defining a substantially planar vertically oriented surface
  • the container module of claim including a pair of vertically oriented rib means on the rear wall means interconnecting the elongated hanger means and the pair of stabilizing projections and defining therebetween coplanar external surfaces lying in a substantially vertical plane.
  • such surfaces being coplanar with the substantially planar vertically oriented surface defined by the downwardly depending flange means at the front edge of the bottom wall means.
  • the container module of claim 9 in combination with vertically oriented support rail means having a channel configuration in horizontal cross section and defining a substantially planar frontal surface extending between rearwardly projecting lateral side walls,
  • the frontal surface of the vertically oriented support rail means defining a plurality of horizontallyoriented elongated slots which are predeterminedly spaced vertically along the frontal surface and vertically aligned,
  • the predetermined length of the elongated hanger bar means of the container module at a location contiguous to the external surface of the rear wall means is selected to be substantially equal to the horizontal length of the horizontally-oriented elongated slots defined by the frontal surface of the verticallyoriented support rail means.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
US00278362A 1972-08-07 1972-08-07 Enclosure structure for modular system Expired - Lifetime US3791528A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27836272A 1972-08-07 1972-08-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3791528A true US3791528A (en) 1974-02-12

Family

ID=23064692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00278362A Expired - Lifetime US3791528A (en) 1972-08-07 1972-08-07 Enclosure structure for modular system

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3791528A (enExample)
JP (1) JPS4952071A (enExample)
CA (1) CA993380A (enExample)
DE (1) DE2339808A1 (enExample)
GB (1) GB1437629A (enExample)

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3874510A (en) * 1973-11-01 1975-04-01 Oxford Pendaflex Corp Stackable tray
US3908831A (en) * 1972-08-07 1975-09-30 American Sterilizer Co Modular storage system
US3948580A (en) * 1974-07-25 1976-04-06 Canadian Valley Meat Company Foods display shelf
US3971475A (en) * 1975-04-16 1976-07-27 Steelcase, Inc. Tray for a document handling system
US4095860A (en) * 1977-01-24 1978-06-20 Disco Engineering, Inc. Storage system
US4131203A (en) * 1977-01-13 1978-12-26 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Wall mounted modular units
US4160570A (en) * 1978-02-03 1979-07-10 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Wall mounted modules for packaging, merchandising and storage
US4247144A (en) * 1979-09-10 1981-01-27 Ready Metal Manufacturing Company Storage devices for service truck
US4372444A (en) * 1981-05-21 1983-02-08 Menasha Corporation Stackable/nestable/dividable storage bin
US4396240A (en) * 1978-06-16 1983-08-02 Henson Artel R Storage system
US4480745A (en) * 1983-04-13 1984-11-06 Goodmark Foods, Inc. Interlocking modular display rack system, component units therefor, and methods
US4537316A (en) * 1983-07-01 1985-08-27 Thomas A. Schutz Co., Inc. Modular display for cigarette packs
USD294096S (en) 1985-11-29 1988-02-09 Rubbermaid Incorporated Wall-mounted drawer and shelf combination
US5022537A (en) * 1989-08-28 1991-06-11 Henriquez Kenneth R Bin locking system
USD318582S (en) 1988-06-10 1991-07-30 Herman Miller, Inc. Cabinet
US5106173A (en) * 1988-06-10 1992-04-21 Herman Miller, Inc. Work space management system and cabinet therefor
US5123549A (en) * 1990-10-01 1992-06-23 Krueger International Inc. Paper management apparatus
US5292010A (en) * 1992-12-04 1994-03-08 Engineered Data Products, Inc. Data storage media holder system and method therefore
US5318182A (en) * 1991-12-06 1994-06-07 Liberty Diversified Industries Stackable and reversible trays for storing drawing sheets, paper stock, and the like
USD348284S (en) 1991-12-06 1994-06-28 Liberty Diversified Industries Stackable tray for paper stock and drawings
US20030201075A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2003-10-30 Fricano Nicholas J. Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement
EP1449785A1 (fr) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-25 Société Normande de Conditionnement Dispositif de fixation d'un couvercle en matière plastique sur une boíte en matière plastique pour le conditionnement d'articles disposés en vrac dans la boíte
US20070029327A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-08 Displays By Martin Paul, Inc. - Creative Center Locking display tray
US20100059498A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-03-11 Hansen William J Modular fluid warmer
US20130032558A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-07 Teri Kramer Portable organizer
US20160081869A1 (en) * 2010-03-30 2016-03-24 Bert Pennings Medical waste disposal apparatus
US20170137173A1 (en) * 2015-11-12 2017-05-18 Akro-Mils, A Division Of Myers Industries, Inc. Hanging, stackable and nestable industrial bin
US10028596B2 (en) 2014-06-30 2018-07-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Product display for multiple product configurations
US10172484B2 (en) 2015-06-24 2019-01-08 Edward L. Maldonado Stackable/wall mountable headwear storage and display cabinet system with variable lighting (CapPalace)
US10405651B1 (en) 2014-02-07 2019-09-10 Teri Kramer Portable paper organizer
US20230363554A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2023-11-16 Altria Client Services Llc Shelf with base including extension segment
US12179335B2 (en) 2022-07-12 2024-12-31 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage system and container for same
USD1098753S1 (en) 2022-07-12 2025-10-21 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage container
USD1099530S1 (en) 2022-07-12 2025-10-28 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage container

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US3212646A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-10-19 Miller Herman Inc Attachment supporting means for furniture
US3347394A (en) * 1966-10-26 1967-10-17 George J Gould Stacked storage bins
US3478892A (en) * 1968-02-06 1969-11-18 Warren H Lockwood Nesting and stacking utility bin
US3534866A (en) * 1968-12-30 1970-10-20 Shell Oil Co Stacking and nesting bin box
US3563394A (en) * 1969-02-11 1971-02-16 James E Joyce Bin assembly having detachable support member

Patent Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3212646A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-10-19 Miller Herman Inc Attachment supporting means for furniture
US3347394A (en) * 1966-10-26 1967-10-17 George J Gould Stacked storage bins
US3478892A (en) * 1968-02-06 1969-11-18 Warren H Lockwood Nesting and stacking utility bin
US3534866A (en) * 1968-12-30 1970-10-20 Shell Oil Co Stacking and nesting bin box
US3563394A (en) * 1969-02-11 1971-02-16 James E Joyce Bin assembly having detachable support member

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3908831A (en) * 1972-08-07 1975-09-30 American Sterilizer Co Modular storage system
US3874510A (en) * 1973-11-01 1975-04-01 Oxford Pendaflex Corp Stackable tray
US3948580A (en) * 1974-07-25 1976-04-06 Canadian Valley Meat Company Foods display shelf
US3971475A (en) * 1975-04-16 1976-07-27 Steelcase, Inc. Tray for a document handling system
US4131203A (en) * 1977-01-13 1978-12-26 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Wall mounted modular units
US4095860A (en) * 1977-01-24 1978-06-20 Disco Engineering, Inc. Storage system
FR2377785A1 (fr) * 1977-01-24 1978-08-18 Disco Eng Inc Elements de mobilier de rangement destines a etre associes a un panneau
US4160570A (en) * 1978-02-03 1979-07-10 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Wall mounted modules for packaging, merchandising and storage
US4396240A (en) * 1978-06-16 1983-08-02 Henson Artel R Storage system
US4247144A (en) * 1979-09-10 1981-01-27 Ready Metal Manufacturing Company Storage devices for service truck
US4372444A (en) * 1981-05-21 1983-02-08 Menasha Corporation Stackable/nestable/dividable storage bin
US4480745A (en) * 1983-04-13 1984-11-06 Goodmark Foods, Inc. Interlocking modular display rack system, component units therefor, and methods
US4537316A (en) * 1983-07-01 1985-08-27 Thomas A. Schutz Co., Inc. Modular display for cigarette packs
USD294096S (en) 1985-11-29 1988-02-09 Rubbermaid Incorporated Wall-mounted drawer and shelf combination
USD318582S (en) 1988-06-10 1991-07-30 Herman Miller, Inc. Cabinet
US5106173A (en) * 1988-06-10 1992-04-21 Herman Miller, Inc. Work space management system and cabinet therefor
US5022537A (en) * 1989-08-28 1991-06-11 Henriquez Kenneth R Bin locking system
US5123549A (en) * 1990-10-01 1992-06-23 Krueger International Inc. Paper management apparatus
US5318182A (en) * 1991-12-06 1994-06-07 Liberty Diversified Industries Stackable and reversible trays for storing drawing sheets, paper stock, and the like
USD348284S (en) 1991-12-06 1994-06-28 Liberty Diversified Industries Stackable tray for paper stock and drawings
US5292010A (en) * 1992-12-04 1994-03-08 Engineered Data Products, Inc. Data storage media holder system and method therefore
US20030201075A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2003-10-30 Fricano Nicholas J. Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement
US6748997B2 (en) * 2002-04-26 2004-06-15 Haworth, Inc. Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement
FR2851550A1 (fr) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-27 Normande De Conditionnement So Dispositif de fixation d'un couvercle en matiere plastique sur une boite en matiere plastique pour le conditionnement d'articles disposes en vrac dans la boite
EP1449785A1 (fr) * 2003-02-24 2004-08-25 Société Normande de Conditionnement Dispositif de fixation d'un couvercle en matière plastique sur une boíte en matière plastique pour le conditionnement d'articles disposés en vrac dans la boíte
US20070029327A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-08 Displays By Martin Paul, Inc. - Creative Center Locking display tray
US20100059498A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-03-11 Hansen William J Modular fluid warmer
US8076618B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2011-12-13 Enthermics Medical Systems, Inc. Modular fluid warmer
US20160081869A1 (en) * 2010-03-30 2016-03-24 Bert Pennings Medical waste disposal apparatus
US10492971B2 (en) * 2010-03-30 2019-12-03 Catilina Nominees Pty Ltd Medical waste disposal apparatus
US10426264B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2019-10-01 Teri Kramer Portable organizer system
US20130032558A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-07 Teri Kramer Portable organizer
US8777024B2 (en) * 2011-08-03 2014-07-15 Teri Kramer Portable organizer
US9371952B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2016-06-21 Teri Kramer Portable organizer system
US10820695B2 (en) * 2011-08-03 2020-11-03 Teri Kramer Portable organizer system
US9894989B2 (en) * 2011-08-03 2018-02-20 Teri Kramer Portable organizer system
US11324313B2 (en) 2014-02-07 2022-05-10 Teri Kramer Portable paper organizer
US10405651B1 (en) 2014-02-07 2019-09-10 Teri Kramer Portable paper organizer
US10869551B2 (en) 2014-02-07 2020-12-22 Teri Kramer Portable paper organizer
US11882933B2 (en) 2014-02-07 2024-01-30 Teri Kramer Portable paper organizer
US10028596B2 (en) 2014-06-30 2018-07-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Product display for multiple product configurations
US10172484B2 (en) 2015-06-24 2019-01-08 Edward L. Maldonado Stackable/wall mountable headwear storage and display cabinet system with variable lighting (CapPalace)
US9676518B2 (en) * 2015-11-12 2017-06-13 Akro-Mils, A Division Of Myers Industries, Inc. Hanging, stackable and nestable industrial bin
US20170137173A1 (en) * 2015-11-12 2017-05-18 Akro-Mils, A Division Of Myers Industries, Inc. Hanging, stackable and nestable industrial bin
US20230363554A1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2023-11-16 Altria Client Services Llc Shelf with base including extension segment
US12179335B2 (en) 2022-07-12 2024-12-31 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage system and container for same
USD1098753S1 (en) 2022-07-12 2025-10-21 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage container
USD1099530S1 (en) 2022-07-12 2025-10-28 Techtronic Cordless Gp Storage container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1437629A (en) 1976-06-03
DE2339808A1 (de) 1974-02-14
JPS4952071A (enExample) 1974-05-21
CA993380A (en) 1976-07-20

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Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY, A PA CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004765/0752

Effective date: 19870827

Owner name: MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY, 23 WALL STREET, NEW

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Effective date: 19870827

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Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK;REEL/FRAME:005581/0543

Effective date: 19910130